Media, Markets, and Democracy

Hardback

Main Details

Title Media, Markets, and Democracy
Authors and Contributors      By (author) C. Edwin Baker
SeriesCommunication, Society and Politics
Physical Properties
Format:Hardback
Pages:392
Dimensions(mm): Height 229,Width 152
ISBN/Barcode 9780521804356
ClassificationsDewey:302.23
Audience
Professional & Vocational
Tertiary Education (US: College)
Illustrations 5 Tables, unspecified

Publishing Details

Publisher Cambridge University Press
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publication Date 19 November 2001
Publication Country United Kingdom

Description

Government interventions in media markets are often criticized for preventing audiences from getting the media products they want. A free press is often asserted to be essential for democracy. The first point is incorrect and the second is inadequate as a policy guide. Part I of this book shows that unique aspects of media products prevent markets from providing for audience desires. Part II shows that four prominent, but different, theories of democracy lead to different conceptions of good journalistic practice, media policy, and proper constitutional principles. Part II makes clear that the choice among democratic theories is crucial for understanding what should be meant by free press. Part III explores international free trade in media products. Contrary to the dominant American position, it shows that Parts I and II's economic and democratic theory justify deviations from free trade in media products.

Reviews

'Those readers looking for an exhaustive overview of the relationship between media, markets, and democracy are well served in this book.' Trends in Communication